Mello Melanin is the force behind www.RapBeatCreator.com, a site specializing in teaching new producers how to get started making their own beats. He is the CEO of What’s Hot Media, Inc. Some of his greatest accomplishments include, performing at the world famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York and performing with Grammy Award winners The Roots
by Mello Melanin
As a Hiphoppa whose been in the music industry for years, I have seen a lot of changes. I’ve seen the cassette come and go, vinyl get pushed from everybody to only deejays, and the birth and near death of the cd. I’ve also seen the rise of many independent record labels and fewer and fewer artists getting signed by record labels.
I’ve seen artists get signed and blow up and I’ve seen them go independent and blow up. So which is better: Going independent or getting signed? Both have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look at a few.
The benefits of getting signed can be huge…if you got the right things in place. Generally to get signed, you need a marketable demo, an 8×10 head shot, a bio, and a whole lot of patience and hustle. This is typically not an overnight process. Depending on your budget, it may take months to complete your demo package. With today’s technology, lets say it takes you 2 months.
